Real Madrid surprised all of Europe by signing one of South America's most promising gems. This is Franco Mastantuono, who came from River Plate, whose signing cost a staggering €63 million. This is a very high bet for a talent who still needs to prove himself in the elite of European soccer.
In Chamartín, they see him as a future Ballon d'Or winner, someone destined to define an era. However, the multimillion-euro investment hasn't gone unnoticed in the Barça environment, which views the move with a certain irony. At Barça, they believe that paying such an amount for a 17-year-old boy is, at the very least, risky.
A much smarter strategy
While the eternal rival was shelling out an exorbitant sum for a player still in development, in Barcelona they were moving differently. Barça's sporting management analyzed the market in search of opportunities with a much more prudent financial logic. In the end, they found a gem that not only cost a minimal amount, but is already shining in Europe.
The cost of the operation was almost symbolic compared to the €63 million paid for Mastantuono. Just €1.5 million ($1.5 million) was enough to close a signing that has surprised both insiders and outsiders. This is an almost ridiculous financial bet that could become one of the greatest successes of the last decade.
The comparison quickly arises, especially because Barça's new player has shown more in less time. This isn't a footballer who still needs to adapt to European soccer, but someone already established in competitive leagues. His recent performances put him at the center of the showcase and with a bright future at Camp Nou.
Immediate performance on the field
Unlike Mastantuono, who will still have a long way to go to earn a place at Madrid, this signing is already making a difference. In the initial matches, he has made it clear that neither the jersey nor the pressure of the environment weighs on him. Every action he takes shows personality, quality, and a maturity rarely seen in players his age.
Barça fans have welcomed him enthusiastically, aware that the club has acted with intelligence and a vision for the future. The cost-performance ratio is incomparable and makes Barça feel proud of the move made. Instead of risking multimillion-euro bets, they preferred to trust a profile proven in European soccer.
Hansi Flick, moreover, is delighted with the reinforcement provided by the sporting management. He sees him as a piece capable of contributing from the very first minute and of growing within the Barça system. The German coach's trust is absolute and he has already hinted that he will be important throughout the season.
From the offices, it has been leaked that Barça sees this signing as a real blow to Real Madrid. They believe that, with a minimal investment, they have found a player who can perform as well as or better than Mastantuono. The economic comparison is embarrassing, especially considering that the Argentine hasn't yet debuted in Europe.
Barça fans, meanwhile, are already enjoying a footballer who knows the continental level and who has shown character. His progression is evident and many experts believe that he could become one of the great talents of the coming years. The bet, clearly, is a winner both in sporting and financial terms.
The mystery about the signing is finally cleared up: Barça boasts of having signed Roony Bardghji for just €1.5 million ($1.5 million). The Swedish striker of Kuwaiti origin has already shown signs of his potential, surpassing what Mastantuono has shown so far. For the blaugranas, this is the perfect proof that intelligence also wins matches in the offices.